December 16 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino

Press release: World championship boxing comes to Hollywood, FL with an exciting lineup of bouts.  The first card to hold a world championship fight in Hollywood, FL features current IBF flyweight champion Irene Pacheco facing undefeated challenger Vic Darchinyan.
 
The card, to be held at The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino takes place Thursday, December 16, and will consist of six scheduled bouts.  The title defense for Pacheco is a reschedule from the September 3 date which was canceled due to hurricane Francis.  The event is being promoted by Warrior’s Boxing Promotions, Inc., in association with the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.  The event is during the grand opening of the Seminole Paradise outdoors at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.  The world title fight is free to the public that attend the grand opening.
 
IBF flyweight champion Irene Pacheco (30-0, 22 KOs) of Barranquilla, Colombia defends his title against the mandatory challenger Vic Darchinyan (21-0, 16 KOs) of Sydney, Australia in a 12 round championship bout. Upon turning professional in 1993, Irene “Mambaco” Pacheco has compiled an outstanding record. In 1999, Pacheco, the 5’7” southpaw, captured the vacant IBF Flyweight title in his 24th professional bout by defeating Luis Cox Coronado by way of a ninth round technical knockout in Pacheco’s hometown of Barranquilla, Colombia.

Since then, Pacheco has defended his title impressively six times with four victories coming by way of knockout victory.  Pacheco’s power and skill is unrivaled in the flyweight division.  In his most recent bout, Pacheco defeated Damean Kelly by way of a seventh round knockout in September 2003.  Pacheco was in control from the opening bell and had Kelly down three times in round six.  The December 16 bout against Vic Darchinyan will be Pacheco’s fifth time fighting in the United States.  Pacheco has defended the IBF flyweight title four times in the United States.  At 33 years old, Pacheco is going strong and is in the prime of his career.

Twenty-eight year old Vic Darchinyan (21-0, 16 KOs), is looking to become world champion on December 16 when he faces Irene Pacheco for the IBF Flyweight championship.  Darchinyan, originally from Armenia, now fights out of Australia under the promotion of former three-time world champion Jeff Fenech.  The undefeated Darchinyan might be the toughest fight of Pacheco’s career.  Standing 5’5”, the southpaw, Darchinyan, has a reputation of being a punishing body puncher.  This could be key in slowing down the fast and skillful Pacheco.  All 21 of Darchinyan’s fights have taken place in Australia.  September 3 will be Darchinyan’s first world title challenge as well as his first bout in the United States.  Darchinyan, the former Australian and IBF Pan Pacific Flyweight champion earned his mandatory position to fight for the title by defeating Wande Chor Charoen of Thailand on December 12, 2003 by way of a fifth round knockout.  Since then, Darchinyan defeated Falazone Fidal, in April, by way of a second round technical knockout in his final preparation bout for Pacheco.
 
The co-main event features up and coming heavyweight Kendrick Releford.  Releford (11-4-1, 5 KOs) the World Boxing Organization No. 15 rated heavyweight is coming off back to back wins over Ramon Garbey and former North American Boxing Federation champion Elieser Castillo.  Despite the four losses, the 22 year old Releford, who turned pro at 19 years old, is quickly becoming a strong contender. 

The undercard features junior welterweight Juan Urango (13-0-1, 5 KOs) back in action for the first time since his draw with Mike Arnoutis in August.

Admission is free.  First bout is at 7:00 PM.  For more information on Warrior’s Boxing Promotions, visit our Website at: www.warriorsboxing.com.